Up to 3,000 people attended the service in Private Richard Hunt's home town of Abergavenny, South Wales, many of them lining the streets outside the church.

Private Hunt, 21, who specialised as a Warrior driver and sniper, was seriously wounded in an explosion while on vehicle patrol in Helmand.

He was flown back to the UK, but died of his injuries three days later at the military hospital in Selly Oak.

Private Hunt was posted to the 2nd Battalion the Royal Welsh and joined 2 Platoon in A Company in April 2008 and according to his Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mark Wheeler made ''an immediate impact''.

''His enthusiasm was clear to us all and he was quickly identified by his platoon staff as a bright, enthusiastic soldier with plenty of potential for the future.

''Richard was brimming with excitement when it was finally announced that A Company would be deploying to Afghanistan.

''He immediately volunteered to undertake a sniper course rather than pursue a possible career promotion course believing that he could best serve the company and his friends as a trained sniper.

''Although surprisingly quiet by nature Richard clearly had a passion for soldiering. He was enthusiastic and dedicated in all that he pursued and coupled with his natural ability, particularly his robust physical strength, a bright future lay ahead.

''Richard was a sincere and selfless soldier, always eager to help his friends and never to let down the team. He worked tirelessly without fuss and was relied upon by all those around him.

''That Richard was a talented soldier was not in question. He was wise beyond his years, which coupled with his physical strength, raw enthusiasm and selfless nature meant that when the going became really tough he was more able than others around him to cope with the mental and physical strains.

''But Richard genuinely cared for all those around him and without prompting he would routinely shoulder the additional burden from his team, provide those words of encouragement, including no doubt a kick up the backside and see them all to the safe completion of the task. This selfless commitment to his friends and comrades is the true hallmark of the very finest of soldiers.''

He concluded: ''He sadly leaves many friends behind, but I know that today he will be looking down on us but also keeping a weathered eye on his close friends with A Company serving in Afghanistan.

''Richard gave himself for his mates, for his battalion and for his country. But as a soldier he was so happy in all that he did.''